Greetings all,

Here is the first of this years builds. It's a conversion of an old Tamiya kit to a Commonwealth 105mm, M4 Sherman Mk IB.

The kit is a salvage job from a previous terrible build. I've replace the rear deck and rear engine panel, added welds, sponsons and new tracks.

Very much a WIP there is a long way to go yet. On the LHS track there is a bit of a gap between two of the pads. This was caused by the Tamiya Drive wheel not being a perfect match for the Dragon track so a bit of 'mud' wil be required there.

My knowledge of this particular vehicle is zero but I had the Bison Decals so it became a Polish Vehicle.

It will represent a Polish 105mm Sherman IB in Italy late 44/early 45. The decal info is a bit vague but I wanted to have a go a making one.











Cherrs

Al

She's a beauty Al! I've started the same conversion but have been stuck for a while. Great motivation for me!!!!

One thing that might be altered is the antenna post atop the turret. I'm pretty sure that this was an American item, used in conjunction w/American radios -- not the Commonwealth wireless sets that would be in use with a Polish unit.

HTH

Hi Roy,

Yip I haven't added the funnel type antenna yet, but I think I have a spare one form the Churchill PE. I have a No 19 radio for it and will add some fittings to the inside of the turret as it's a rather big space.

Glad you like it, it's sort of modellers revenge!!! It was this kit 7/8 or so years ago that made me quit modelling. It turned out such a mess I just gave up lol, lol. It wasn't the kits fault just the builder/painter at that time.

Cheers

Al

Hi Al

Great looking build - congrats.

As you may already know the markings are for a tank of the 1 Krechowiecki Lancers - a pre-war unit reformed within the 2 Brygady Pancernej IIKP. The horses head denotes the regt and the shape of the surround (a circle in this case) denotes the squadron (triangle for first squadron, square of second etc). I suspect that the markings represent a vehicle being used when the II KP was in action in the Marche Region of Italy during 1944 - 46 (they remained as an occupying force). Famous actions included the pursuit to Bologna.

Whilst I don't have any photos of this particular vehicle, I now have stack of photos of similar in-theatre Polish vehicles (Sherman IIIs, Ics, Ic hybrids). Let me know if you need any detail shots.

The only thing I'd add to Roy's comments is that almost all photos of Polish armour in Italy show Shermans with regt fitted applique armour in the usual places. Track armour, over the front glacis, is also commonly seen in front-line use - the famous Leretto parade shows it but in a slightly tidied-up form.

Finally, the fig is sort of spot on. Polish tankers in Italy appear to have worn a mixture of light-weight coveralls, denims, or shirt sleave order (tropical not BD). The black beret would have been worn at all times - pushed back in a more continental style, rather than as per Kings regs, with the Polish Army Eagle to the right of the left eye. I'm not sure if any of the Hornet heads get this curious arrangement completly right.

I hope that's helpful. Keep up the great work.

Cheers

Karol

Hi Karol,

Thanks for that. I had the unit form the decal information although the info is a bit vague and the markings may not be totally accurate, but I had picked up the Bison Set Polish Tanks as there are marking for the Staghound (lol, lol - who waiting!!).

I'd need to read up on the Regiment and the actions they were involved in. Any links there would be appreciated, I thought the Tamiya chap from the Bren carrier would fit in well and I have some ofthe tankers who would suit;



The 3 chaps in shirt sleeve order. I was thinking a relaxed type setting just loading up supplies and ammo. Strange I haven't see amy 105mm ammo kits for Allied weapons!

I've seen some good pics, especially with the added track protection but I've also seen a lot where the tanks are pretty bare so thought I go with that style. If berets are a must then I can add one to this chap.

I'm a glutton for pics lol, lol so I'll pop my email adress to you, pics are always welcome. I noticed some of the Polish 105mm had a bin type box on the rear RHS. I was going to add one from the old Grant but it look too big.

It's turned out better than I hoped as I made the rear deck, yet another experiment.

Thanks for the info.

Cheers

Al

Good work Alan. One thing you'll have to add are the grouser covers.

Hi Pat,

Many thanks, a couple of modeliing friends are having a hunt in their spares box, lol.

Cheers

Al

Alan, as usual lovely work of great and oft neglected subjects. This is quite a well photographed vehicle and I attached have a few pics of it and other Polish Shermans. I have PM'd you my email address if you want copies drop me a line (and anyone else that wants them).
Cheers
Al

Hi Al,

Many thanks for those, that sorts out the stowage too.

Email on route.

Many thanks

Al